 show good sportsmanship in the gym, on the playground, and sporting events

 be honest and truthful at all times

 use respectful "whole body" listening

 speak politely and respectfully and not bully or harass others

 walk and move quietly through the school

Following section 7 and 8 of the BC Human Rights Code no person shall face discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.​

​Taking care of our school means to:

 take care of whatever place you are in

 take care of school grounds and buildings

 recycle, use garbage cans and compost buckets

 treat all school equipment and materials with care, and return them

Where a student damages property while behaving in a manner contravening the school's code of conduct, the following recovery of costs shall apply:

 Where the student immediately reports the damage, the cost recovered shall not exceed the cost of materials required to remedy the damage.

 Where the student has not reported the damage but upon investigation is determined to have done so, the amount recovered shall be the cost of labour and materials required to remedy the damage.

​Our school code of conduct is based upon our expectations of adhering to human values as stated in Section 3 of the B.C. Human Rights Code. ​

1)POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A) Attendance

To ensure the safety and whereabouts of pupils, the following attendance procedures are in place:

Student Absence

If you know your child will be absent from school (illness, holidays etc) please contact the office directly at 250-336-8511 or ccs@sd71.bc.ca to excuse the absence. If outside of school hours please leave a voicemail. The school will call to confirm any unexcused absences.

Student Lates

If a child shows up later than 8:50am they must sign in at the office. Multiple lates will result in consequences as appropriate.

Student Sign-out

If you need to pick up your child before the end of the school day the student must be signed out at the office.

Cumberland Community School is a closed campus. This means pupils cannot leave the grounds at any time of the day without being signed out by a parent.

B) Appropriate Dress

Students and staff are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate for the school enviroment.The standards for our school's dress reflect "common sense", comfort, safety, and a clear sense of modesty and appropriateness. At Cumberland Community School it is recognized that:

Tops must sufficiently cover the majority of the upper body including the back, chest and stomach ( hem of tops must touch the waist of pants)

Reference to drugs, alcohol and/or violence is unacceptable

​All undergarments must be concealed by outer clothing.

C) School Board Policy re: Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol

Students are expected to refuse to engage in or be knowingly involved in the possession, consumption, promotion, sale or provision of tobacco products, alcohol, narcotics or related substances or paraphernalia

Furthermore, students are prohibited from be involved with these substances in any area of the community while the students are responsible to the school. This is normally considered to be coming to school, lunch time, and going home after class.

School Board policy states that when a Principal is convinced that a pupil has been consciously involved with tobacco, drugs or alcohol while under the jurisdiction of the school, they will impose a definite or indefinite suspension on that student.

Cumberland Community School uses a unified system of Positive Behaviour Support to cultivate positive behaviours. Any behavior which does not follow the Code of Conduct is considered unexpected behavior. When behaviours consistently or severely compromise the learning environment and or the safety and well being of others, the following procedure will be used.

Level 1 – The student breaks the school's Code of Conduct:

Action – behaviour is documented; teachers may use discretion on reporting behaviour to parents.

Consequences – students may be given an immediate and appropriate consequence at the discretion of the staff.

Action – principal will be informed, principal will document and contact parent(s).

Consequences – one or more of the following:

 Complete a Behaviour Reflection Process;

 Acknowledge others affected and be involved in a positive restorative process;

 Engage in a behaviour support plan;

 Serve either an in-school, or out-of-school suspension. This will be followed by a meeting involving parents, student and staff to discuss the re-entry plan.

2)TECHNOLOGY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Computer and Internet Access Responsible Use Agreement (herein called the “Agreement”) shall govern the use by students and school district employees (herein called a “User”) of any computer equipment, software, wide area (WAN) or local area network (LAN), e-mail and/or Internet access including WiFi (herein called the “System”) provided by the Board of Education of Comox Valley Schools (SD71) (herein called the “School Board”). The System is provided for students and staff for educational and/or research purposes and/or school district related activities. This Agreement applies to School Board equipment or bring-your-own personal electronic devices such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop (herein called “BYOD”) used in and around any School Board facility.

Use of the System in any capacity, especially Internet connectivity, is a privilege, not a right. Access and/or use of the System require authorization by the School Board. Such access is made available only so long as the User complies with all of the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement signified by a student, parent and/or employee signature yearly. Users agree to abide by any rules and regulations subsequently made by the School Board and Users understand that the School Board has the ultimate authority to restrict the scope of access or deny access to the System for a User.

The School Board provides access to the System to support the learning objectives of a student’s personal education plan and/or facilitate an employee’s school district business by providing educational tools and resources, Internet access with searching and browsing tools, an e-mail account to facilitate electronic communication and System storage space.

There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some which may be offensive, illegal or conflict with the values of some families. The School Board will endeavour to limit access to offensive materials from the Internet by filtering incoming material, but it is not possible for the School Board to prevent a System User from accessing inappropriate materials via the System on a School Board owned device or a BYOD device. Everyone should be aware that the School Board tracks all System traffic and that System storage space is School Board property, and as such, not private. Parents/legal guardians should also be aware that a student who can access the Internet via a BYOD device that uses its’ own data plan (commonly referred to as “3G” or “4G” or “LTE”) has unlimited and unfiltered access to the Internet. The previous statement about unfiltered Internet access is also true for a BYOD device that can bridge Internet access to another device (such as a smart phone that bridges Internet access to a tablet).

The Superintendent or designate will oversee the district’s System and support training in the proper use of the System. Users will be provided with instruction on responsible use guidelines and this training will emphasize the ethical and responsible use of the System. Students will be given instruction about appropriate and inappropriate use of the System at school and it is the recommendation of the School Board that Parents/Guardians will review this document with their child at home. Users are responsible for all the activity within their account so there is a requirement for Users to review this document and seek out clarification and support if it is needed with respect to any use of the System.

Responsible Use Expectations:

Responsible use of the System means Users will conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical, and polite manner while using the System (in the same way Users would conduct themselves in a classroom or any other environment where they would represent their school/school district). The following rules are intended to clarify expectations of conduct for Users, but should not be taken as all-inclusive, as the School Board cannot outline every possible scenario of System use - either appropriate or inappropriate. The School Board requires students to use the System in accordance with general expectations of student behavior outlined in School Board Policy as well as school-specific codes of conduct. The School Board requires employees to use the System in accordance with this Agreement.

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, set out below in Section 1 through 7, may result in one or more levels of access to the System revoked, and/or disciplinary action, ranging from loss of privileges to suspension and/or legal action. The school or School Board reserves the right to apply disciplinary consequences for System activities conducted away from a School Board facility (like a student’s home) if such activities adversely affect the safety or well-being of students or other members of our educational community, or constitutes behavior that reflects poorly on students, staff, a school or the school district.

Section 1: Personal Safety

As a student, I will protect my personal safety when I am online by not posting my personal information, unless I have the permission of a responsible adult. I will agree not to meet in person anyone whom I’ve met online. Responsibility for any meeting rests solely with my parents who are advised they should accompany their child to such a meeting. I will tell my teacher or other staff member if I receive an inappropriate message, communication or contact that makes me feel uncomfortable, intimidated or afraid. As an employee, I will protect my personal safety when I am online. No System or BYOD device with audio or video capability is allowed in a washroom or change room in any school board facility during school hours or outside of school hours or during a school or School-Board-sponsored event like a field trip. No System or BYOD device is allowed in any Examination sitting.

Section 2: Online Behavior

As a student or employee, I understand that I continuously represent my school/school district whenever and wherever I use online communications (both at school and at home). This includes, but is not limited to use of the Internet, e-mail, chat, instant-messaging, texting, gaming and social networking sites. I understand the concept that online communications can be forwarded, copied, or traced and can last forever on the internet. I will be respectful and polite in all of my online communications with classmates and teachers. I understand that there is Internet

Filtering on the System to protect everyone from inappropriate Internet material but I will immediately disengage from any inappropriate material if I come across it in my responsible use of the System. I will not harass, insult or otherwise hurt another person or any organization by my actions using the System.

Section 3: Privacy

I will not share my System password with anyone, or use anyone else’s System password. If I become aware of another individual’s password, I will inform that person or a member of the school staff. I will be ethical and respect the privacy of others through the System and Internet and will not share or access other’s folders, files, or data without permission. I understand that School Board tracks all System traffic and has the right to look at any data, email, logs, or files that exist on the System or on individual computers without the prior consent of System users. In addition, the School Board reserves the right to view or remove any files on the System or on individual devices without prior notice to Users. The School Board will cooperate fully with any participating school district, local, provincial, or federal department in any investigation concerning or relating to any use of the System.

I will not share or post online personally identifying information about any member of the school community without permission (addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, photos, videos, etc.). I will not pass along a message sent to me unless I have the permission of the person who sent it to me. I will not make audio or video recordings of another student or teacher without his/her permission and I will not forward any type of information sent to me by other Users via the System or my BYOD device.

Section 4: Use of School or School Board System Resources

I will not play games, instant-message, use social media, or access music or videos at school, unless it is part of the curriculum and/or is authorized by a responsible adult. I will use my System e-mail and System storage space only for school-related activities. I will not use my System email account to send out mass unsolicited messages or to forward chain letters, joke collections, or other objectionable, threatening, harassing, damaging to another person’s reputation, offensive or hurtful materials. I will not use System’s technology resources for commercial activity, for monetary gain, or for any illegal uses. I will not deliberately perform any act which will negatively impact the operations of anyone’s computers, printers or any other part of the System. I will not make any deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt System performance.

I will make an effort to keep my computer free from viruses, malware, ads or other destructive materials. If my computer is accidentally infected, I will seek help from an authorized support employee. I will not store, transfer, or use software or settings for hacking, eavesdropping, System administration and/or monitoring or participate in any attempt to circumvent System security. I will not install or boot to non-approved operating systems on System computers. I will obey posted rules such as no food or drink and no running or horseplay, to physically protect computers and laptops. I will treat equipment carefully and with respect including: computers, laptops, tablets, headphones, printers, cameras, scanners, projectors and interactive whiteboards.

Section 5: Unacceptable Materials

I will not search for, or download any material which is offensive, lewd or pornographic. Offensive material is pro-violence, contains profanity, is hateful, discriminatory, or anti-social. Pornographic material contains the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity. An exception to the previous two statements is granted for teacher assigned research projects only as part of a student’s educational plan. If I mistakenly access inappropriate information, I will immediately disengage from it and notify a responsible adult.

Section 6: Copyright and Plagiarism

I will properly cite any resources that I use in my work. I will not plagiarize from any sources. Plagiarism is taking someone else’s writing, images, or ideas and presenting it as your own. Except for “educational fair use” as defined by a teacher, I will not copy, save, download or redistribute copyrighted materials (files, music, movies, software, etc.) Students should assume material is copyrighted unless otherwise stated.

Section 7: Personally Owned Computer Equipment and/or Devices (BYOD)

I understand that, with permission, I will be able to connect BYOD equipment to the System WiFi to access the Internet as part of this Agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones or smart phones, iPods, iPads and personal laptops and/or tablets. I understand that WiFi Internet access is a privilege, not a right and that only the “open 71” WIFI access is to be used by students. Students who are found to be accessing the secure WiFi part of the System will be in contravention of this Agreement. I understand, as a User, that technical support from district technicians for service, repair, or maintenance of any BYOD devices is not available but every effort will be made by school personnel to support Users in their ability to access the Internet via a BYOD device. The School Board or designates may require all BYOD devices to be identified by the unique media access control address (MAC address) of the device. BYOD Users should expect to be asked to provide this alpha-numeric code from their device. If the MAC address of a User’s BYOD device is requested, as part of this Agreement, the User is required to provide said MAC address. Failure to comply with this request will result in the User not being able to access System resources with their BYOD device.

The School Board will not be held liable for any personal content housed on a BYOD device. School administrators have the authority in their role of ensuring a safe climate for all, and acting as a “judicious parent”, to take control of a student’s BYOD device if there is a significant concern and view any and all content on it (including pictures, videos, text messages, etc). Parents/Guardians will be notified as soon as possible about any Agreement concerns that school administration may have about a student. Parents/Guardians who have an expectation for student privacy with a BYOD device should not allow their child to bring that BYOD device to school. The School Board is not responsible for any physical damage, loss or theft of any BYOD device. All Internet use and/or texting charges are the sole responsibility of the User. Users are responsible for bringing their BYOD device home each day and returning it fully charged and Users are responsible for keeping the BYOD device secure when not in use. Student use of their BYOD device is to support the instructional activities in the classroom under the direction of a responsible adult, and must be turned off and put away, if and when requested by a responsible adult. ​​

3)SCHOOL EMERGENCY PROGRAM GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

Issued October 2014

What Parents and Guardians Should Know

Schools should be considered one of the safest places in our communities even knowing that an emergency can strike anywhere at any time.

DURING ANY EMERGENCY, OUR FIRST PRIORITY is the safety of our students and staff. In order to provide an effective response to any school crisis, School District 71 (Comox Valley) has developed an Emergency Response Plan. The Plan works in conjunction with other local emergency plans because a school emergency could require the involvement of numerous agencies. The plans created for individual schools, along with the District Plan, are reviewed annually and always after an emergency occurs.

There is an on-site emergency response team at each school, along with a district-based Emergency Response Team that provides support and aid to schools at times of an emergency. All staff is regularly trained on emergency protocols and drills are practiced at each school.

Although standardized protocols and procedures provide the basis for our response, the way in which we respond to an emergency is greatly influenced by the specifics of an incident. We are driven foremost by our concern of ensuring student and staff safety.

Our school district collaborates closely with local emergency personnel to ensure plans are coordinated with appropriate agencies. The district's plans do not replace the authority of law enforcement, fire or EMS – staff members work in full co-operation with these agencies.

For security reasons, certain components of our emergency response plans are not publicly available. The guide that follows outlines the key elements of the Plan and answers questions parents frequently ask regarding emergency preparedness. I hope you find this guide helpful and informative.

We appreciate your support and assistance in our continued safety efforts. Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools, School District 71 (Comox Valley)

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, SCHOOLS CONDUCT TRAINING AND DRILLS to help better prepare students and staff for possible emergency situations. When a school is confronted with an emergency, staff will assess the situation and then decide on a course of action.

Schools conduct drills throughout the year to rehearse emergency procedures. These exercises prepare students and staff to act quickly and help to minimize a child's fear during a real emergency.

In addition to the procedures described below, schools also practice protocols such as "Drop-Cover- Hold," a method of protecting vital body parts during some natural disasters. All staff and students are required to participate in these drills. Lock-Down/Hold and Secure/Shelter-in-Place/Evacuation/Dismissal

Lock-Downs are usually used in response to acts or threats of violence to students and/or staff directly impacting the school. During a Lock-Down all doors to and within the school are locked. No one is permitted in or out of any area once it has been locked. Students and staff must respond very quickly to a Lock-Down command to get to a safe location before doors are locked. No one, other than law enforcement, is permitted access to the building until the Lock-Down is over.

Hold and Secure is used in response to security threats or criminal activity outside the school. During a Hold and Secure, all entrance doors to the school are locked, with no one permitted in or out of the building. No one, other than law enforcement, is permitted access to the building until the Hold and Secure has been cleared.

Generally, Shelter-in-Place is used during an environmental emergency, such as severe storms or chemical spills. During a Shelter-in-Place, students and staff retreat to safe zones to seek shelter. This includes having students or staff who are outdoors come back into the school. Each school's emergency response plan identifies the safest location for its occupants and how to seal a room from hazardous conditions. Students will not be released or dismissed until the situation has been resolved.

An Evacuation requires all students and staff to leave the school and go to an alternate location. This may mean only going outside and away from the building until it is safe to re-enter the school. In other cases, students and staff may need to go to an evacuation centre. Parents will be informed of the alternate location through the school's Crisis Notification Network.

Under some circumstances it may be determined that it is best to dismiss students to their homes and families as expeditiously as possible. Should this be the case, every attempt will be made to alert the emergency contact for each student of the situation and to ensure young students are not left unsupervised. Students will not be released unless contact can be made.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT WHEN AN EMERGENCY OCCURS parents will be worried and want to be reunited with their child as quickly as possible. It is our intention to make this happen. To ensure every child's safety and the safety of staff, specific procedures have been established for releasing students.

Parents are asked to adhere to the parent-child reunification procedures listed below. Staff will work hard to ensure these procedures take place without delay. Please understand the process will still take some time. We ask for your patience when you arrive at the Parent-Child Reunion Area.

Parent-Child Reunion Procedures

A Parent-Child Reunion Area will be established. Parents will be notified at the time of an emergency of the Reunion Area's location. The location may not be at the school — the location will depend on the specifics of the emergency.

You will be required to fill out a Student Release Request Form. This ensures all students are accounted for at all times and students will only be released to authorized individuals.

Students will only be released to an individual designated as legal guardian or emergency contact on the student's Emergency Card, which is completed at the time of school registration. Please be sure to keep this information current with your school, as the school will only release a child to someone listed as an Emergency Contact — there will be no exceptions.

Valid identification is required to pick up your child. This is required to protect your child from any unauthorized individuals attempting to pick up students. Even if school personnel know you, you must still present I.D. as the school may be receiving assistance from other schools or outside agencies.

You will be required to sign for the release of your child. This is extremely important, as it ensures your child, along with other students, is accounted for at all times. Do not take your child from the school or evacuation centre without signing for his/her release under any circumstances.

Once you have been reunited with your child, please leave the area immediately. This is for your own safety and that of your child.

If you are unable to pick up your child, he/she will be kept at the Parent-Child Reunion Centre until alternate arrangements can be made. Your child will be supervised at all times.

When an Emergency Occurs

Keeping Informed during an Emergency

ALTHOUGH YOUR NATURAL INSTINCTS IN AN EMERGENCY may be to go to the school to safeguard your child, please understand that doing so could impede the response to the situation. Going to the school may interfere with emergency crews' and school personnel's efforts to deal with the emergency. Extra vehicles and people at the site make the task more difficult. Please follow the instructions provided to you through the communications channels outlined below. Please do not come to the school to pick up your child unless requested to do so.

If you arrive at the school in the midst of an emergency, please respect the protocol in progress. While we understand personal circumstances or initial reactions might move you to do something contrary to the school's established procedures, we cannot compromise the safety of students or staff to accommodate individual requests that could put anyone at risk.

Please DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL and DO NOT CALL YOUR CHILD'S CELL PHONE.

Parents are asked not to call the school or their child's cell phone during an emergency.

· Phone systems need to remain available for handling the actual emergency.

· Overloading the system may mean the school cannot communicate with first responders.

· Calling your child's cell phone during an emergency may be putting them at higherrisk by disclosing their location or drawing attention to them during a lock-down.

· Experts advise that under some circumstances cell phones and other electric devices may actually act as an ignition source for fires or explosions.DURING AN EMERGENCY, it is unlikely you will be able to reach the school by phone. We will, however, make every effort to contact parents directly or by one of the methods noted below.Crisis Notification Network and/or the MediaParents will be alerted to emergency situations via the School's Crisis Notification Network (phone or electronic notifications) and local media. Stay tuned to radio stations for news alerts.Website, Social Media and Community HotlineThe school district will also keep parents informed by posting information regarding the emergency on the district website, through social media and recordings on the District Community Hotline.

Website www.sd71.bc.ca

4)PERSONAL INFORMATION CONSENT

Schools and districts are authorized to collect, use, and share student personal information that is directly related to and necessary for their educational functions. For other school or educationrelated purposes, parental or student consent is required.

The Board of Education of Comox Valley Schools (SD71) is seeking your consent to collect, keep, use, and share photographs, videos, and/or names of students for use in a variety of publications and digital media for education-related purposes. These purposes include: recognizing and encouraging student achievement; building the school community; informing others about school and district programs and activities; and raising awareness about our mission, vision and values.

For example, student names and/or images may be used or shared in the following:

 School and district communications such as newsletters, brochures and reports in limited or public circulation;

 School and district websites, social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), and online video (e.g. YouTube), with limited or public access;

 Video designed for educational use; and

 School yearbook.

5)CONSENT FOR OUTSIDE MEDIA IN SCHOOL

Media (including radio, television, newspapers, and other print and online media) are often permitted or invited to come into a school for the purpose of reporting on an education-related activity or event. Media are allowed to take photos or video or to conduct interviews with students for the purposes of promoting public understanding of school programs, building public support for public education and encouraging student achievement.

If you do not want your child to be involved in such activities, you need to:

 Tell your child to avoid these situations;

 Tell your child’s teacher of your wishes; and

 Respond “No” in the district Protocol and Consent form to ask the school and school district to take reasonable steps to avoid this type of publication of your child’s name, image, or personal information by outside media.

Note that school and district staff cannot control news media access, photos/videos taken by the media or others in public locations (such as field trips on or off school grounds) or school events open to the public such as sports events; student performances and board of education meetings.

How Parents and Guardians Can Support the Code of Conduct

 Read and discuss this thoroughly with your child,

 Communicate any concerns you have regarding bullying, intimidation, or harassment with your child's teacher or the principal

Who you can call for help or information:

 Your child's teacher

 The School Principal(s)

 The School Counselors

 The PAC Chairperson

 The School Trustee

Get Involved!

Join the Cumberland Community School Parent's Association and have a say in your child's education. We meet at 6:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in room 140 in the Beaufort Building.

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